The year was just two good for city’s ever rising international shuttler Malvika Bansod.

The left-handed player became India Number One in senior women’s singles category in November and few days into the last month of the year, she achieved her career-best Badminton World Federation (BWF) Rankings by jumping to 32nd spot.

Malvika, who was India No 2 since 2019 as the players remained static at their places in the list due to COVID forced breaks, finally got her due. She was also India No 1 in Under-19 singles category.

Malvika’s graduation from junior to senior level was just awesome. She won Maldives and Nepal International golds on debut. Then added Bahrain International bronze, Uganda International gold, Lithuania International gold, Syed Modi Super 300 silver, Odisha Open Super 100 bronze and Italian International silver.

Malvika represented India in Uber Cup and led the team to quarters. She also led the team in Sudirman Cup.

Early in the year, Malvika become only the second Indian to beat Saina in an international event when she emerged champion in the India Open Super 500 tournament in New Delhi.